LIQUID-PHASE HYDROGENATION OF BENZENE TO CYCLOHEXENE USING RUTHENIUM-BASED HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST

Selective hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene has been studied in rt high pressure slurry reactor using supported ruthenium catalysts. T he organic base monoethanolamine (MEA) was found to give better select ivities than the conventional inorganic salt additive (zinc sulphate). Parameters studied were the effects of various supports such as alumi na, silica, titania, zirconia, niobium oxide,, etc., benzene to water ratio, catalyst weight, and presence of cyclohexane in the feed. Reusa bility of the catalyst was also studied.